Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka became embroiled in a row with injured Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal as tempers boiled over at half-time of the Champions League quarter-final tie at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was involved in a heated confrontation with injured Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal during half-time of their Champions League quarter-final clash at the Bernabeu.
Tensions flared as Saka, who missed a first-half penalty with a failed Panenka attempt saved by Thibaut Courtois, headed down the tunnel. Carvajal, sidelined with an ACL injury since October, grabbed Saka by the neck and raised a hand toward him, sparking an angry exchange. Gunners defender Ben White quickly intervened in support of his teammate.
The cause of Carvajal’s aggression remains unclear, though speculation suggests it may have stemmed from Saka’s weak penalty. Referee Francois Letexier had awarded the spot-kick after Raul Asencio fouled Mikel Merino in the box.
Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson said: “I just can’t believe the selection of penalty here from Bukayo Saka. I am so surprised. It’s such a bad penalty.”
TNT Sports’ Ally McCoist added: “He gives the goalkeeper an opportunity… and the left hand is strong.”
Saka later scored in Arsenal’s 2-1 win.